TENANT GUIDANCE

Tenant electrical safety

Tenants do not need to be electricians to spot warning signs. If something looks unsafe, repeatedly trips, smells hot, sparks or shows signs of damage, it should be reported to the landlord or managing agent.

What tenants should check

Tenants should not dismantle electrical equipment or attempt testing. Basic visual warning signs include cracked sockets, scorch marks, loose accessories, damaged consumer unit covers, exposed wiring, persistent burning smells or repeated tripping.

If an issue appears immediately dangerous, stop using the affected item or circuit where safe to do so and report it urgently.

Asking about an EICR

A tenant can ask the landlord or agent whether an EICR has been carried out and whether any remedial work was required. If the certificate has been filed with TESC, it may be searchable through the EICR Register.

No result on the TESC Register does not automatically mean there is no EICR. It may simply mean the certificate was not filed with TESC.

When to escalate concerns

If electrical issues are ignored, tenants should keep written records, photographs where safe, dates of reports and responses from the landlord or agent. Serious visible danger should be treated as urgent.

Check an EICR online

Search the TESC EICR Register by reference number, report reference, house number or postcode.

Common questions

Yes, if the certificate has been filed with TESC, tenants can search for it using the EICR Register.

No. Tenants should report suspected electrical faults to the landlord, agent or a competent contractor rather than attempting repairs.

Scorch marks, hot plugs, burning smells, cracking sounds, loose sockets, exposed wiring and repeated tripping should all be reported.